Vince Hawkes

J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes is the current Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police. Hawkes became Commissioner on March 29, 2014, assuming leadership of one of North America’s largest deployed police services. Commissioner Hawkes oversees front-line policing, traffic and marine operations, emergency response and specialized and multi-jurisdictional investigations throughout the Province of Ontario.

Since joining the OPP in 1984, Commissioner Hawkes has amassed an array of operational policing experience, particularly in front-line service delivery, investigative disciplines and forensic science. From 2006 until his appointment as Commissioner, Hawkes has served as Deputy Commissioner of Investigations and Organized Crime and, most recently, Field Operations.

Hawkes’ cross-command experience is extensive, including tenures as Commander of the Communications and Technology Services Bureau; Detachment Commander; Regional Criminal Operations Manager and Staff Development/Training Manager. Commissioner Hawkes spent 11 years as a Forensic Specialist and was the first OPP member to be certified as a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst.

He is a graduate of both the University of Ottawa with a Baccalaureate in Science and the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management, Police Leadership Program. Commissioner Hawkes is also a graduate of the international Leadership in Counter Terrorism program.

Commissioner Hawkes is the Past Chair for the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime, a multi-service partnership. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a Director with both the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. Commissioner Hawkes is also the past Campaign Cabinet Co-chair of the United Way Greater Simcoe County. Since May 2010, Commissioner Hawkes has been invested as an officer in the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, a fellowship of honour that recognizes exemplary police service.^[1]

Deputy Commissioner

Hawkes became Deputy Commissioner for Investigations and Organized Crime in 2006 and Deputy Commissioner for Field Operations in 2010.^[2]

Commissioner

Hawkes assumed command of the force on March 29, 2014 from Christopher D. Lewis.

Education

Hawkes is a native of Hull, Quebec and joined the OPP in 1984. Hawkes attended the University of Ottawa (Baccalaureate in Science) and the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management (Police Leadership Program). Hawkes is also a graduate of the international Leadership in Counter Terrorism program.

Awards

• Police Exemplary Service Medal
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

References